Tyre sidewall damage: what should you do?

Scratches may appear on the sidewall due to contact with various road elements. While these are often superficial, if they are numerous or particularly pronounced, you should have your tyres examined by a professional to ensure the underlying structure remains intact.

A cut in the tyre sidewall can vary in depth. If the cut is deep, it may have damaged the carcass ply that lies under the rubber. In such cases, there is a risk of sudden pressure loss, making the tyre unrepairable and requiring immediate replacement.

Even if a cut is not deep, it can escalate and compromise your safety over time. Because it is difficult for a non-expert to assess the depth, always have your tyres examined by a professional after driving over sharp elements like stones.

A bulge or bubble on the sidewall is a critical warning sign. It usually appears after hitting a kerb or a deep pothole.

This bubble indicates that the internal carcass ply has been punctured, leaving the tyre held together only by a thin layer of outer rubber.

This creates an extreme risk of a sudden blowout, especially at high speeds. Because these can form on the inner sidewall, they aren't always visible; however, abnormal vibrations are a clear signal that your tyres need an urgent professional check.

Sidewall cracks are a sign of ageing of your tyres but also of exposure to sun and ozone.

Another cause may be the cleaning of the sidewall of the tyres. If you use chemicals to shine your tyres, they may remove the protective agents and therefore expose your tyres to cracking more quickly.

The appearance of cracks in the tyre sidewall is a warning sign that the tyre is nearing the end of its life and that you should prepare to change it. You can consult a professional for advice

It is quite normal to observe slight deformations in most radial tyres. These often appear where the internal plies (textile or metal cords) overlap. Unlike the other categories of damage, this is a constructive characteristic that does not affect the tyre's performance or safety.

While a puncture in the tyre tread can often be repaired, a puncture in the sidewall is a different matter.

If the sidewall is punctured or cut, it is impossible to repair the tyre and regain the specific deformation qualities required for optimum performance. In this scenario, the tyre must be replaced.

Unlike speed bumps, driving into a pothole can be very damaging and can cause a bulge to appear on your tyre sidewall. Because of the impact, you should always try to avoid potholes when you see them on the road.

If you do hit a pothole or a kerb, it is essential to have your tyres checked by a professional to see if any internal or external damage has occurred. Even if the damage isn't visible, abnormal vibrations while driving are a warning sign that the tyre may have been compromised and needs urgent inspection.